State Launches One-Stop Shop for Companies Needing Workforce Aid

Lexington, KY – Businesses seeking trained employees will have a new one-stop shop in Kentucky as WorkSmart Kentucky has launched to partner with new and existing companies to match employer needs with available workforce resources.

Qualifying companies within Kentucky will be eligible for recruitment and job screening services at no cost, according to Governor Steve Beshear’s Office, which rolled out the program Monday.

The program, which brings together workforce professionals from across the state’s cabinets and divisions will offer flexible grant funding to offset the costs of customized and in-house training needs, establish apprenticeship programs and provide free safety and OSHA training.

Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Larry Hayes said during a Monday press conference announcing the program that this is a needed step for the state to aggregate all of the workforce needs of the state.

“In one place, one person delivering a message to someone looking to make an investment and do business,” Hayes said during the press conference.

“We’re all going to be able to deliver one message, one brand really, that we can begin to market… that Kentucky is a place where we truly do work smart. You can meet your workforce needs in Kentucky,” Hayes added.

In addition to Hayes’s Cabinet for Economic Development, WorkSmart Kentucky will bring together Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, Labor Cabinet and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS).

“Our colleges will offer innovative workforce partnerships that are creating those high-wage, high-demand growth jobs that are important all across the state,” KCTCS President Michael McCall said at the announcement. “WorkSmart Kentucky will allow us to continue this momentum of driving new program development and current program revisions to meet the needs of statewide employers.”

In 2013, the state, in conjunction with its workforce partners, provided training for nearly 85,000 Kentuckians from a variety of industry sectors, including manufacturing, health care, information technology, energy, distribution and research and development. In addition, pre-employment services were provided to more than 95,000 individuals and 2,650 companies.